Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 July 2023
1149. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Health to outline what engagements he has had with a group (details supplied); when he expects the national vaginal mesh implant oversight group to reveal its findings; if he intends to put in place a scheme to fully redress the survivors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35881/23]
View answerI understand that complications from a mesh implant are very distressing and painful for those women involved and since the emergence of this matter, the ongoing priority focus for the Department of Health has been to ensure that all women experiencing mesh related complications receive high quality, multi-disciplinary and patient-centred care. Women’s health remains a key priority for the Government and the Department of Health continue to focus on prioritising the care needs of women affected by mesh related complications.
Considerable work has been done and continues to progress in Ireland in relation to mesh implants, and the patient voice is central to our understanding of these, and similar, issues. Listening to the experiences of women affected by mesh remains a key priority for the Minister and his Department. Work continues to progress to advance the development of an independent and compassionate engagement for women affected by mesh to have their voices heard and Mesh Survivors Ireland and associated key stakeholders will be central to this process.
In terms of mesh-related service developments and supports, through additional funding first provided in 2020, the HSE established a National Mesh Complications Service. Further details on this service and supports are available from the HSE. I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy on this matter and on the Deputy’s query in relation to the HSE’s National Vaginal Mesh Oversight Group, directly.
